Hundreds turn out for wind farm jobs

NEW GLASGOW, NOVA SCOTIA - Hundreds of people turned up to inquire about potential jobs at a new Nova Scotia wind farm.

Shear Wind's Glen Dhu Power Wind Project is under construction east of New Glasgow. More people will be hired in the coming weeks.

The Halifax-based company said that during peak construction, 150 people will be working for about six companies at the site.

That will dwindle to between 15 and 20 permanent jobs once construction is complete. Most of those posts will be with the maintenance crew.

Organizers said they expected a high level of interest in the jobs, but they were surprised by the large turnout. There was a line up at the door when the job fair opened and people continued arriving with resumes throughout the day.

Jennifer Chisholm of ALVA Construction said she did not expect such a big turnout.

"Quite frankly, I'm very surprised. I didn't think there would be quite this many people, but there are a lot of people here and that's good," she said.

Selma Rudderham, a human resources manager with Emera, said she was looking for employees for now and in the future.

"We have tons of jobs here today. We're also looking to hire for the future. 2011 is going to be a great year," she said.

"We are looking for technicians to do the maintenance on the turbines and the electrical work on them and a couple of office positions," said Taryn Adams of Enercon.

Many of the job seekers said work is hard to come by in Pictou and Antigonish counties and they hoped to avoid going to western Canada for employment.

One applicant said she had a university degree, but that searching job websites and community bulletin boards had not brought success.

Another wanted local work.

"I want a job. I'm a single parent and I'd like to find something steady so I can stay around here instead of going out west again," said Darren Matheson.

Glen Dhu is scheduled to come online before the end of 2010. If the project is completed as planned, the wind farm will include between 75 and 100 turbines spread over 10,000 acres in Pictou and Antigonish counties.

That would supply enough electricity for up to 60,000 households.